Water quality monitor

Abstract

A water quality monitor receives water that has passed through a water softener treatment tank. The monitor contains a sample of ion exchange resin that is exposed to the water and which shrinks in volume when the water quality deteriorates to the point where it is no longer being softened. Shrinking of the resin sample signals that corrective action should be taken, such as regenerating the softener. Signaling may be a visual or audible signal or it may involve closing a valve preventing the flow of service water to one or more points of use, or restricting the flow to the extent that the restricted flow constitutes a signal to the user. The sample ion exchange resin is contained in a replaceable cartridge that can be inserted into the monitor and replaced after the monitor has functioned to signal deteriorating quality.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a water softener installation including a treatment tank and a service line leading from the tank, the combination therewith of a water quality monitor for insertion in the service line and comprising: a housing including an inlet and an outlet connected in the service line;   a valve in said housing adapted when actuated to restrict the flow between the inlet and the outlets; and   a removable cartridge mounted in said housing between the inlet and outlet and including a specimen of ion exchange resin that changes volume as it exchanges ions with the water being monitored,   said valve being actuated when the specimen shrinks in volume to a predetermined extent in response to a deterioration in the quality of water.   
     
     
       2. In a water softener installation including a treatment tank and a service line leading from the tank, the combination therewith of a water quality monitor for insertion in the service line and comprising: a housing including a central passage that functions as a continuation of the service line;   a valve in said housing adapted when actuated to restrict the flow through the central passage; and   a sensor in the housing that is exposed to the water passing through the service line and which actuates the valve when the quality of the water declines to a predetermined degree;   said sensor including a specimen of ion exchange resin that changes in volume as the calcium ion content of the water increses.   
     
     
       3. A monitor in accordance with claim 2 wherein the sensor is removably inserted in the housing and must be replaced after the sensor has actuated the valve before the valve can be deactuated. 
     
     
       4. A monitor in accordance with claim 2 wherein the valve is a ball valve that is normally held open by a spring loaded actuator that bears against one face of the resin specimen. 
     
     
       5. In a water softener installation including a treatment tank and a service line leading from the tank, the combination therewith of a water quality monitor for connection to the service line and comprising: a housing including an inlet for connection to the service line and an outlet;   a removable and replaceable cartridge mounted in said housing between said inlet and outlet, and including a specimen of ion exchange resin exposed to the water from the service line, said specimen shrinking in volume as it exchanges ions with the water;   an actuator fixed within said housing that is movable with change in volume of the resin specimen; and   a switch fixed within said housing responsive to the movement of the actuator, said switch being actuated when the specimen shrinks to a predetermined extent.